Barrier fabric

Abstract

A fabric having a unique combination of stain resistance, fluid barrier properties, aesthetic characteristics and drape ability is described, and a method of making such fabrics. The fabric includes a fabric substrate that has been treated with a low surface energy stain resist compound on at least one of its surfaces, and one or more layers secured to the other of its surfaces, with the layers providing the fabric with the unique combination of characteristics. In addition, the fabric is desirably provided with flame resisting and ultraviolet resisting characteristics, to enable it to be used as a seating material for transportation vehicles. Methods for making the fabric are also described.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A barrier fabric comprising: 
       a fabric substrate having a first side and a second side;  
       a fluorochemical compound disposed on at least the first side of the fabric substrate;  
       an acrylic latex disposed on the second side of the fabric substrate;  
       a copolymer adhesive disposed on the acrylic latex;  
       a polyester polyurethane barrier film disposed on the copolymer adhesive.  
     
     
       2. A barrier fabric comprising: 
       a fabric substrate having a first side and a second side;  
       a low surface energy staining resisting compound disposed on at least the first side of the fabric substrate;  
       a polymer stabilization layer disposed on the second side of the fabric substrate;  
       an adhesive disposed on the polymer stabilization layer, wherein the adhesive comprises a polymeric material which includes an elastic component; and, a barrier film disposed on the adhesive.  
     
     
       3. The barrier fabric according to  claim 2 , wherein the low surface energy stain resisting compound comprises a fluorochemical compound. 
     
     
       4. The barrier fabric according to  claim 2 , wherein the polymer stabilization layer comprises an acrylic latex. 
     
     
       5. The barrier fabric according to  claim 2 , wherein the polymer stabilization layer is disposed on the fabric substrate in a discontinuous manner. 
     
     
       6. The barrier fabric according to  claim 5 , wherein the polymer stabilization layer is disposed on the fabric substrate in a predetermined pattern. 
     
     
       7. The barrier fabric according to  claim 2 , wherein the barrier film comprises a polyurethane film. 
     
     
       8. The barrier fabric according to  claim 7 , wherein the barrier film comprises a polyester polyurethane film. 
     
     
       9. The barrier fabric according to  claim 7 , wherein the barrier film comprises a polyether polyurethane film. 
     
     
       10. The barrier fabric according to  claim 7 , wherein the adhesive comprises metallocene polyethylene. 
     
     
       11. The barrier fabric according to  claim 2 , further including a foam bonded to the barrier film. 
     
     
       12. The barrier fabric according to  claim 11 , wherein the foam comprises a urethane foam. 
     
     
       13. The barrier fabric according to  claim 12 , wherein the foam is flame laminated to the barrier layer. 
     
     
       14. The barrier fabric according to  claim 11 , wherein the foam is bonded to the barrier layer by a second adhesive. 
     
     
       15. The barrier fabric according to  claim 11 , wherein the foam is laminated to the barrier layer.